Agency Mission and Philosophy

Mission

The Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry shall administer and enforce the provisions of Kansas Optometry Law so that the highest quality of eye care is provided to the citizens of Kansas.

Philosophy

The Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry shall act in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, and openness. We believe that by the vigorous enforcement of the law, we protect the public and ensure that the highest quality of comprehensive eye care is available to the citizens of Kansas and that it is delivered by qualified optometric practitioners.

What is Kansas Optometry?

Optometrists, Doctors of Optometry, are licensed by the Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry. They are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.

They examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists also test to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately.

They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases. As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an integral part of the health care team and an entry point into the health care system. They are skilled in the co-management of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and an excellent source of referral to other health care professionals.